Subjective evaluation of function following moderately accelerated rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knees.

Rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions have become increasingly aggressive in the past several years, preparing the patient to return to sport activities within 4 to 6 months. In 1989, we initiated a moderately accelerated protocol and were interested in the long-term effects of early weight bearing, immediate full motion, early incorporation of closed chain activities, and early return to sport. We received responses from 58 of 180 patients surveyed. All had undergone a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft reconstruction procedure 12 to 21 months prior and had followed the rehabilitation protocol described. Results of the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale and a questionnaire regarding preinjury and postinjury activity levels, pain and stability ratings, and current activity indicated that the majority of these patients had returned to sport and recreation and were participating at levels of moderate to high intensity with little or no difficulty.